Ukraine’s blueberry industry 2026: new opportunities or new challenges ahead?

The global blueberry market continues to demonstrate rapid growth in both production and consumption; however, as supply expands, competition among producing countries is also intensifying. Ukraine, which has built its own commercial blueberry industry over the past decade, is entering a new stage of development where not only volumes but, above all, efficiency, quality, and export strategy will play a decisive role, EastFruit reports.

According to international analytical organizations, global blueberry production has more than tripled over the past 10 years, exceeding 1.8 million tonnes annually, with the highest growth rates observed in Southern Hemisphere countries. Peru remains the world’s leading exporter, supplying more than 280–300 thousand tonnes of berries each year, while Morocco, South Africa, and Mexico are rapidly expanding their presence in international markets. These trends are consistently confirmed by analytics from the International Blueberry Organization (IBO), FAOSTAT, and industry reviews from international trade platforms.

According to the latest data from the industry association Proarándanos and Peru’s national plant health authority SENASA, during the 2025/26 season blueberry exports from the country have already exceeded 350 thousand tonnes and may approach 380 thousand tonnes by the end of the campaign, confirming its continued status as the global leader.

“Such export volumes clearly demonstrate the real scale of global competition in the blueberry market. For Ukraine, this means that the industry’s development strategy must be based not on quantity, but on product quality, production technology, and effective positioning in European markets,” says Natalia Pukshyn, President of the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association.

Against this backdrop, the European market is also evolving. Blueberry consumption in the EU continues to grow steadily; however, seasonal price volatility is becoming more pronounced, and importers are increasingly strict in evaluating product quality and supplier reliability.

“The global blueberry market is no longer a deficit market as it was ten years ago. We are seeing a transition toward a more mature model, where producers with advanced technologies, consistent quality, and the right export strategy are the ones who succeed,” Natalia Pukshyn explains.

Ukraine maintains growth potential

Commercial blueberry production in Ukraine began developing actively around the mid-2010s. According to industry estimates, planted areas exceed 5 thousand hectares, while total production is already approaching 10–12 thousand tonnes per year, with further growth potential.

At the same time, a significant share of Ukrainian plantations is relatively young, meaning modern varieties and cultivation technologies are widely used.

“The Ukrainian industry remains young, and this is our competitive advantage. Many farms established plantations with modern market requirements in mind from the outset, which allows them to adapt more quickly to international competition,” Natalia Pukshyn notes.

Ukraine’s geographical proximity to the European Union market also provides an important logistical advantage compared with suppliers from other continents, particularly during peak demand periods.

The industry is moving toward professionalization

As acreage expands, Ukrainian producers are facing new challenges typical of more mature markets. These include rising production costs, stricter quality requirements, the need for investment in post-harvest handling and cold chain infrastructure, and intensified competition for export channels.

“We are gradually moving from a phase of rapid growth to a phase of efficiency. Today it is no longer enough simply to grow berries — it is necessary to ensure consistent quality, proper packaging, logistics, and marketing. These factors will determine the competitiveness of Ukrainian blueberries in the coming years,” explains the head of the industry association.

One of the key risks for the 2026 season remains weather conditions, particularly spring frosts, which traditionally pose a threat to berry production across many European countries. At the same time, producers are increasingly investing in crop protection technologies, which reflects a global industry trend.

The role of cooperation and international integration

In the context of increasing competition, cooperation among producers and integration into the international professional community are becoming especially important. Participation of industry organizations in global professional networks opens new opportunities for access to analytics, technologies, and partnerships.

“A significant step for the development of the Ukrainian industry was the election of the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association as the country’s official representative in the International Blueberry Organization (IBO). This is not only a matter of status, but primarily access to global expertise, analytics, and professional contacts. Today it is critically important for producers to understand international trends, importer requirements, and technological directions, as competition in the global market is intensifying. Integration into the international professional community allows Ukrainian companies to adapt more quickly to new conditions, improve product quality, and strengthen their export positions,” Natalia Pukshyn emphasizes.

Demand for blueberries continues to grow

Despite increasing competition, the fundamental outlook for the market remains positive. Blueberries are classified as a “superfood,” and global consumption continues to expand due to changing dietary habits and rising demand for healthy, antioxidant-rich products.

According to international marketing research, average per capita blueberry consumption in Europe is still significantly lower than in the United States or Canada, creating potential for further market expansion.

“Global demand for blueberries continues to grow, creating opportunities for new suppliers. Ukraine has a chance to secure a more prominent position in the international market, especially in Europe,” Natalia Pukshyn believes.

03-02-2026
Source: east-fruit.com